Minister of Health issues a decision regarding the amendment of requirements and regulations for performing cosmetic surgeries and interventions in the public and private sectors
Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, issued a ministerial decision today, Monday, amending the requirements and regulations governing cosmetic surgeries and interventions in both the public and private sectors.
In a press release, the Ministry of Health stated that the decision establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for practicing cosmetic surgeries and interventions by specifying the medical specialties authorized to perform them, the qualification levels and experience required for physicians, and the scope of procedures permitted for each specialty, thereby ensuring that these procedures are carried out within the bounds of professional competence and specialization.
The ministry clarified that the decision regulates the use of lasers by nursing staff, requiring licensed and accredited training, and stipulating that such procedures be conducted under the supervision of a specialist physician, with the physician examining the patient before each session, calibrating the device standards, and documenting the assessment and informed consent.
It further noted that the decision adopted updated lists of cosmetic surgeries and interventions across the specialties of plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, maxillofacial surgery, and vascular surgery, while imposing additional requirements for certain advanced procedures, including specialized qualifications, practical experience, and accredited fellowship training, depending on the nature of the procedure.
The ministry explained that the decision mandated psychological assessments prior to cosmetic surgeries for cases exhibiting psychological symptoms or disorders, based on an accredited psychiatric report evaluating the patient’s stability, decision-making capacity, and suitability for undergoing the intervention.
Finally, it reported that the decision outlined mechanisms for managing complications arising from cosmetic surgeries in both the public and private sectors, as well as responsibilities for follow-up, treatment, documentation, and reporting in accordance with prevailing systems and regulations, thereby enhancing clarity in professional accountability and ensuring continuity of patient care.
